POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Ran for mayor in 2005; ran for Georgia House District 120 in 2006

FAMILY: Single

MAIN GOAL: “Unite Augusta together by having an open-door policy, transparency, authenticity, compassion and by giving everyone access to the mayor’s office; bringing a sense of pride back by making sure the city is clean year-round … small business growth including film and theater and creating a children-friendly community.”

MAIN GOAL: Improving public transit. “The transit system has to comeinto the 21st century and movefrom six days a week to sevendays with hours until 11 p.m. and operate on holidays. These are the times that people who really need transportation will benefit the most.”

NAME: Hardie Davis Jr.

AGE: 45

BIRTHPLACE: Macon, Ga.

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree, Georgia Tech; doctorate of theology, Christian Life School of Theology

OCCUPATION: Senior pastor, business owner, state senator

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: 3 years, Georgia House, 5 years state senator

FAMILY: Married, one son

MAIN GOAL: “I am running because I am convinced that if we do not chart a new course, we will stay tied to the status quo, strangled by stagnation, resulting in the erosion of opportunities for future generations of Augustans. Our city faces real challenges today. We must create higher wage earning jobs, provide an accountable and transparent government, and enhance our public works and infrastructure. We must unite our community and create opportunity – for all.”

NAME: Alvin Mason

AGE: 51

BIRTHPLACE: Lansing, Mich.

EDUCATION: Master’s in education, Troy University

OCCUPATION: Fort Gordon employee; retired Army sergeant first class

POLITICAL EXPERIENCE: Served two terms on the Augusta Commission

FAMILY: Daughter, son, three granddaughters

MAIN GOAL: “To enforce the laws and ordinances that are on the books and to run an effective, efficient and transparent commission meeting. To create a unified vision for the city of Augusta so that our city can thrive and maintain the high quality of life and the economic development that makes us proud to call Augusta home.”

MAIN GOAL: “To see Augusta become a city that is making sure it champions all races and minorities, the rich and the poor. We can’t wait another four years for Augusta to sit in the state it’s been in. We need to come together as one group … and we all need to champion Augusta.”